Arizona Cardinals: Loss of Jefferson, Campbell not disrespect

The Arizona Cardinals lost their two biggest free agents on Thursday

For awhile we pretty much knew the Arizona Cardinals were going to lose safety Tony Jefferson and defensive tackle Calais Campbell.  Some people understood that, some didn’t.

Some fans couldn’t understand why Arizona didn’t try to do more to keep them?  It was simple, they did, knowing their offers wouldn’t match what others were offering.

In the case of Jefferson, the Cardinals didn’t feel like he was worth what the market was willing to pay for him.  In other words, Jefferson was overpaid by the Baltimore Ravens but the market dictated that.  You can’t blame Jefferson for moving on.

Jefferson actually turned more money down from the Cleveland Browns.  So although he left for more money, he went to a contender.  If you can get both, do it.

In the Campbell’s case, you aren’t turning down $60 million over four years.  He also told the NFL Network Tom Coughlin was a factor.  Rumor is the Denver Broncos were also on the table with an offer.  Denver is his hometown.  Jacksonville offered more money.

However looking at Campbell’s age being a factor, this was going to be his last big contract.  The new contract should not only help him now but after football.

Fans don’t quite believe the Coughlin factor though.  No doubt money had to be a huge factor.  At $15 million per season, most players would play anywhere, even in Jacksonville.

Make no mistake though.  The Cardinals did not disrespect either player, although Jefferson hinted as such.  He feels hurt the Cardinals didn’t value him as much as he thought.

The issue is the Cardinals have a number of positions to fill holes at and they were never going to be able to afford what the market was willing to pay for young, not completely proven safety yet.

We wish them nothing but the best.  From what I’ve seen, most of Birdgang echoes that sentiment.